In the mid-90's, the company expanded by forming the publishing company "The Song Trust" and adding a new manager/partner Bernie Breen. Other acts managed at The Management Trust are Big Wreck, The Head Stones, Alex Slate and producer/songwriter Colin Cripps.

Jake looks after his clients' careers in all aspects of the music industry, bringing them from an independent level to international exposure.

Over the years, he has been honored with Manager of The Year/Annual Canadian Music Industry Award in 1991, 1993-1994.

How did you get into the music industry?
A friend asked me to manage his band, the Purple Hearts, back in 1981, and I've been managing ever since.

You have two offices - the main one in Toronto and one in New York. What are the advantages to having two management offices?
We cover more ground, which is beneficial to our artists. I've had the New York office for six years now and decided to move permanently there myself, two years ago.

Are there any things handled in just one location?
Yes, all of the administration is done out of the Toronto office.

Has promoter consolidation affected you?
Not that I can see. I tend to work with people that I have had relationships over the years, regardless of whatever company they work for.

Do you foresee a time when management companies are consolidated on a large scale?
There's definitely a potential for that to happen, however, I don't know if the clients would allow it.

Where are ticket prices going?
Up, unfortunately.

How has the Canadian dollar affected touring in Canada?
For Canadians this hasn't effected them at all. I'm sure the Canadian promoters would have a different opinion in terms of international acts coming into Canada.

Where are The Tragically Hip's main selling markets?
In terms of ticket sales, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Texas, Vermont, Upstate New York, Midwest, Holland, England, Germany, Belgium, and of course, Canada.

What is the future of the multi-act, day-long festival?
We haven't done one (Another Roadside Attraction) since 1997. There's always a chance we'll do it again. If it's the right acts and right venues, it can always work. There was a glut of festivals for a while. The public will always respond to large gatherings if they are handled properly. OZZfest continues to prove this.

How is the Canadian touring industry different than its American counterpart in terms of promoting and booking?
There's a way better college market in Canada, which is a great place to develop young bands. Because of the lower drinking age it allows for colleges and universities to promote on campus, in campus pubs, and use the alcohol revenue to off-set the costs.

How do you and the Hip feel about the group being huge in Canada but never achieving that level in the U.S.?
They have sold over 1,000,000 records in the States over their career and continue to build their live base every time they go on tour. Their last tour saw some of their biggest shows ever in a lot of markets. While they are not the Backstreet Boys in terms of popularity, they never wanted to be. They grossed more money in the States touring on the last album then any album before, and they did fewer shows.

Can a band tour without radio or MTV?
Yes, obliviously...we continue to.

What is your opinion of the Napster ruling?
Copyright should not be free. We can't deny the accessibility and user-friendliness of Napster. We need to work towards embracing the technology as a way to expose music. Remember, record companies PAY to get their records played on the radio and radio costs the end user nothing as well.

What is your career highlight?
Raising almost $400,000 for War Child in Sept 2000, at the same time making it a free concert in Winnipeg. War Child is a network of independent organizations working throughout the world to help children affected by war.

Any career disappointments?
None so far.

Best business advice you received?
Keep your books in order.

Favorite wine?
Penfolds Grange.

As a wine connoisseur, which industryites have the best wine cellars that you have seen?
I have only seen Keith Beccia's from Metropolitan Entertainment Group, and it's as good as it gets. The Caribou Club in Aspen ranks among the best.

Who's your pick to win the Stanley Cup?
Colorado Avalanche.

What about the men's and women's singles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open?
Andre Agassi for both. Jennifer Capriati for U.S. Open and Martina Hingis for Wimbledon.

Industry pet peeve?
People not returning phone calls.

Jake may be reached at 212-645-3191; e-mail: jakegold@earthlink.net

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